FSU baseball: Summer ball kicking off in the southeast

It’s been over three months since we saw the Seminoles on the diamond, but many of FSU’s returning and incoming players are getting back to game action these next few weeks. With the effects of Covid-19, many summer leagues across the nation were shut down, such as the prestigious Cape Cod League. But many smaller leagues in the south are still open for some of the best college baseball players from all over the country. Let’s take a look at where FSU’s returning and incoming players are headed for the summer.

Florida Collegiate Summer League

FSU will have 10 representatives across five times in the FCSL this summer. Incoming freshman OF AJ Shaver will play for the Leesburg Storm for his first collegiate action. Shaver is a potential five-tool OF, and could also make an impact on the bump after turning down some offers in the 2020 MLB draft.

The Orlando Scorpions will host OF’s Reese Albert and Robby Martin, along with incoming freshman pitcher Jackson Nezuh. Albert and Martin will be apart of a stacked OF, along with potential #1 pick in the 2021 MLB draft, Jud Fabian from UF. The former UF commit Nezuh will get his first taste of college ball, with his 92-94 MPH fastball.

Returning freshmen Doug Kirkland and Danny Andzel will play for the Sanford River Rats. Kirkland was used as a two-way in his freshman season, so it will be a key to follow if he hits or pitches more throughout the summer. Andzel took a RS his FR year, but could have the tools to battle for a starting spot next season. His development this summer will be important for his chances at making an impact next season.

RHP Jack Anderson will be one of the top pitchers for the Seminole County Snappers. Anderson is looking to make a move into the weekend rotation next season, after breaking out with multiple big performances out of the ‘pen this past season. He is also working on adding a knuckle curve to round out his arsenal this summer.

Returning freshmen pitchers Parker Messick and Bryce Hubbart will be joined by Carson Montgomery, FSU’s highest-rated pitching recruit ever, on the Winter Garden Squeeze. All three pitchers will be in the mix to fill weekend spots in 2021. For Messick, he’s also working on adding a knuckle curve this summer. Hubbart will look to regain his dominant form from the fall.

The league started just last night, and the regular season will span till August 4th.

Florida Gulf Coast League

The FGCL has been in action for just over a week now. The ‘Noles have two incoming players on the Lakewood Ranchers. JUCO commit Colton Vincent has gotten off to a hot start for the Ranchers, hitting .455 with one HR and two doubles through seven games. Vincent will come in as a primary catcher, but can be used as a utility man all over the field with the return of Mat Nelson in 2021.

Richie Morales has also been off to a solid start. The incoming freshman is hitting .316 with four stolen bases in 19 AB’s. Morales is a glove first MIF, but has the athleticism and line drive approach to make an impact early in his career at FSU.

South Florida Collegiate Baseball League

The SFCBL has been in action for a couple weeks now. FSU has just one player in the league, with RS FR Chris Ruckdeschel on the Boca Raton Blazers. Ruckdeschel still hasn’t seen regular season action since being switched to a pitcher in his freshman season, but performed well in the summer last year. Through two outings, the RHP has given up two runs in 4.1 IP.

Collegiate League of the Palm Beaches

The CLPB is yet to get underway, but FSU will have one player there when the games get underway next week. JUCO commit Casey Asman will be one of the top hitters for the Junno Beach Loggerheads. Asman will be in competition to fill a starting role in FSU’s everyday lineup next season. Asman can play 1B or a corner OF spot.

Coastal Plain League

Brandon Walker will be the only ‘Nole playing outside of FL this summer as he heads to the CPL. Walker will pitch for the Savannah Bananas and develop his electric arm talent that has the potential to make him a dominant pitcher at the college level. Development of a third pitch and consistent command will be key for Walker this summer.

I will have weekly updates for the Seminoles on the summer ball scene and will also post daily updates in the comments below.